Tony's Takes: Looking back at Week 5

This week's review gave us a good look at how teams respond when things don't go exactly as planned. Injuries have forced several players into bigger roles, and it was encouraging to see who stepped up and who embraced the moment. At the same time, a few familiar faces returned to the floor after time away, bringing a different feel and rhythm to their teams. We also saw established players continue to perform at a high level, providing stability and setting the standard when their teams needed it most.   Just as important, younger players earned real opportunities under the bright lights and showed they belonged. Those minutes, even in short stretches, can pay off later when games tighten up. This week was a reminder that growth comes from all levels of a roster, especially from those ready to answer the call.   [player_tooltip player_id='502599' first='Reese' last='Hagenbart'] - 2026 Post, Champlin Park   After a full year away, Hagenbart has stepped back on the floor and hasn't missed a beat. The 6-foot senior post is averaging 22 points per game through the first month of the season and has clearly taken control as the leader for this Rebels group. Even without playing last year, she's the steady presence they lean on in big moments. Hagenbart (pictured above) impacts the game in every way. She scores it, cleans the glass, defends the paint, and brings consistent energy. Just as important, she's the emotional voice, lifting teammates during runs both good and bad. The Rebels went 1-2 last week, but those losses came by just two possessions each and could have easily flipped. With only two seniors on the roster, this is still a young group. As the season goes on and the reps add up, expect the Rebels to be a tough out when tournament time arrives.   [player_tooltip player_id='918682' first='Danasia' last='Anderson'] - 2028 guard, Minnehaha Academy   With [player_tooltip player_id='478390' first='Sinae' last='Hill'] out for the season, Minnehaha has needed others to raise their level, and Anderson has answered the call. She's always been skilled and comfortable running the point, but there's a different pop to her game right now. She's playing faster, yet more under control, and her decision making has taken a clear step forward. Anderson knows when to keep the ball moving and when it's time to go get one herself. That balance has been big for this group. She's also giving more on the defensive end, picking up pressure and setting the tone. In a return trip to Park Center last week, she poured in 14 points, knocking down a couple from deep and finishing strong on drives. As the Redhawks adjust without Hill, Anderson's playmaking and steady hand will be a major piece moving forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='1460779' first='Onyx' last='Idoko'] - 2026 Post, DeLaSalle   From watching Idoko during the fall ball season to now, the growth has been clear. With the Islanders short a few key pieces due to injury last week, her role expanded, and she handled it well. Against an undersized Cooper group, she did exactly what you'd want from a post player, owning the paint on both ends. Idoko was swatting shots left and right, making Hawks guards think twice before going anywhere near the rim. Offensively, she finished with 11 points, and she'd probably be the first to say she left another 6 to 8 out there after missing a few close ones. When the defense collapsed, she stayed poised and found cutters for clean looks inside. As the Islanders continue to adjust to life after Aneisha Scott and work through injuries, Idoko's presence inside could be a big part of their identity moving forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='927238' first='Lexi' last='Champeau'] - 2026 guard, Delano   In a pair of big games last week, Champeau showed just how valuable she is to this Delano group. She averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds as the Tigers went 1-1, showing her ability to impact the game in more ways than one. The scoring isn't a shock, but pulling down 8 boards a night at 5'6 says a lot about her motor and toughness. She plays with purpose and doesn't shy away from contact. The dual-sport athlete is averaging 10 points per game on the season and is a steady piece of the Tiger attack on both ends. In the loss to Orono Spartans, she took full advantage of the defensive focus on [player_tooltip player_id='866100' first='Addie' last='Iversen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='458302' first='Abbie' last='Pietila'], leading Delano Tigers with 19 points. With a section title as the goal, Champeau's leadership and edge will matter.   [player_tooltip player_id='717663' first='Le'Sedra' last='Williams'] - 2026 Post, Minnetonka (University of Northern Iowa)   The Skippers are off to an 8-0 start and it's easy to see why. Minnetonka has a deep roster, but what separates them is having a true matchup problem in [player_tooltip player_id='717663' first='Le'Sedra' last='Williams']. At 6'1, she brings real strength on the block while moving like a guard on the perimeter. Offensively, she can score through contact inside or face up and make plays. On the other end, she's a difference maker, protecting the rim and jumping passing lanes to create chaos. When games speed up and get a little loose, Minnetonka can slow things down and throw it to Williams, where her footwork and touch settle everyone. She leads the team in scoring and rebounding and gives the Skippers a steady anchor. If they're going to get back to the big dance and chase another title, it will run right through her.   Youth Movement   Amaya Washington - guard 2031, DeLaSalle   The 7th grader gave the injury-riddled Islanders a real lift off the bench in their win over Cooper Hawks. Thrust into action earlier than expected, she didn't look overwhelmed by the moment. Instead, she played within herself and made the most of her opportunities, finishing with five points that mattered. For such a young player, her poise stood out. She moved well without the ball, stayed ready, and took advantage when chances came her way. In games like this, production from unexpected spots can swing momentum, and that's exactly what she provided. For an Islanders group battling injuries and searching for consistency, getting meaningful minutes and points from a 7th grader speaks to both her readiness and the staff's trust. Don't be surprised if this is just the start of her impact.   [player_tooltip player_id='1313615' first='Koko' last='Tossou'] - guard 2029, Park Center   Tossou is as strong as they come and brings a needed edge to the Pirates lineup. While this group likes to play with pace and skill, she adds a physical presence that changes the feel of the game. She's comfortable playing through contact and doesn't back down from anyone in the paint. That toughness showed up again when she finished strong around the rim and even stepped out to knock down a three against Minnehaha Academy, showing her game continues to grow. As she keeps sharpening her skill set, her strength, effort, and willingness to compete are going to keep her on the floor. Players like Tossou matter, especially when games get tight and physical late.   [player_tooltip player_id='1090106' first='Tayjha' last='Van Leer'] - guard 2029, Minnehaha Academy   Van Leer got the start against Park Center Pirates last week, and while the nerves showed early, she stayed the course. Instead of shrinking, she leaned into the moment and defended with real intent. That effort mattered. You can see the physical changes too. She's clearly grown a few inches and added strength, which has helped her hold her ground and play with more confidence. Last season, her minutes were limited, but this year the opportunities will be there. She runs the floor, competes, and does the little things coaches trust. With how hard she works day to day, it's easy to believe she'll be ready when her number is called in bigger moments later in the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1559037' first='Kali' last='Schultz'] - guard 2030, Delano   The 8th grader has carved out a real role in the Delano Tigers rotation, and that matters more than most realize. Averaging five points a game while playing with poise is a big deal for a team chasing a section title. Schultz doesn't look rushed, and she understands her spots within the offense. While Delano already has several trusted scorers and ball handlers, Schultz adds another piece that opponents can't ignore in their prep. She spaces the floor, makes smart reads, and competes on both ends. Getting these minutes now is huge. The experience she's gaining will pay off later when games tighten up and possessions matter more. For such a young player, the trust she's earned says a lot, and she looks well on track to be ready when it counts most.

This week's review gave us a good look at how teams respond when things don't go exactly as planned. Injuries have forced several players into bigger roles, and it was encouraging to see who stepped up and who embraced the moment. At the same time, a few familiar faces returned to the floor after time away, bringing a different feel and rhythm to their teams. We also saw established players continue to perform at a high level, providing stability and setting the standard when their teams needed it most.